Nigeria, France strengthen migration partnership

By Palma Ileye

Nigerian Government has said it was taking proactive steps to prevent illegal migration, by deploying cutting-edge technology to monitor and manage its land, maritime, and air borders.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo in a press release issued yesterday by Ozoya Imohimi, Director, Press and Public Relations Unit of the Ministry of Interior stated this during a courtesy visit by the French Government led by the Ambassador in Charge of Migration at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Christophe Léonzi in Abuja.

Tunji-Ojo stressed Nigeria’s commitment to curbing illegal migration while fostering cooperation with global partners.

Acknowledging migration as a natural phenomenon, he emphasised the government’s stance against illegal migration, expressing Nigeria’s willingness to support bilateral efforts to combat this challenge.

“An African problem is more of a European problem than an American or Asian problem because of our proximity. It is easier for people to find their way to Spain, France, Italy or the United Kingdom than to get into America or China. So, it means that the more we invest our energy and efforts into proactive strategies, the better it is for us,” the Minister said.

He highlighted the dynamic nature of illegal migration, stressing the need for continuous dialogue and proactive measures to stay ahead of traffickers’ evolving tactics.

The Interior Minister further stated that the Ministry was streamlining the Nigerian visa application process on the basis of reciprocity, with priority on automation and a seamless access to INTERPOL data, to strengthen border control and security measures.

Acknowledging progress since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu assumed office on May 29th, the Minister noted: “Yes, we are not where we want to be, but of course, we are not where we don’t want to be or used to be. Since May 29th when President Bola Ahmed Tinubu came on board, there has been a visible difference in terms of the security situation.”

On its part, the French Government led by the Ambassador in Charge of Migration at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, His Excellency Christophe Léonzi, said the purpose of the visit was to foster cooperation between both countries.

Earlier before the engagement with the French delegation, the Minister of Interior had a closed meeting with the Technical Committee on the Enhancement of Security in the North led by Major General A.T. Jibrin (rtd).